A study of insulated glazing unit surface temperature profiles using two-dimensional computer simulation

Abstract

This paper describes one part of a collaborative research project, including both measurement and simulation studies, aimed at determining the surface temperature of a set of insulated glazing units (IGUs). In this study computer simulation was used to determine the vertical surface temperature profiles of seven air-filled glazing units. Glazing system design options included variations in edge-seal type, pane spacing, low-e coating, and number of glazings. Two approaches were taken: one, a simulation of the complete problem domain using a fully detailed two-dimensional numerical simulation program (BRAVO); the second, a simplified approach using the VISION4 program for one-dimensional center-glass analysis and the FRAME 4.0 program for analysis of the remaining sections. This study serves as an important step in the development of alternative methods for evaluating condensation resistance. The present study significantly extends the database of two-dimensional simulation results. Details regarding the other parts of this project can also be found in the literature.